Community Volunteer Awards

2024 Honoree

Roy Jones

We Could Not Have Done it Without You

Roy Jones

We are not sure how a pirate would say “indispensable,” but we know it would be used to describe Roy Jones.

Roy has served as a port in a storm for many a Rancho Cordovan over the years, and probably has saved more than one life as a volunteer delivery driver for Meals on Wheels Sacramento for more than a decade.

Established in 2010, Meals on Wheels serves seniors 60 and older with a focus on those with the greatest economic or social needs.  They served 4,100 seniors in 2023, including many in Rancho Cordova.

Meals on Wheels volunteers like Roy are the heart of the organization as they touch the lives of seniors through their time and service.  Together, volunteers provide an average of 5,000 hours of service each month, which makes the program work.  These compassionate and dedicated volunteers serve thousands of seniors in need of meals across Sacramento County, helping them to maintain an independent lifestyle.

Roy’s fans at Meals on Wheels say he has been a lifeline for his participants who are isolated, frail and homebound in Rancho Cordova, where he delivers regularly.  Roy has taken to heart the Meals on Wheels motto of being “more than just a meal” and has helped Rancho Cordova residents to age in their own homes – just as they prefer.

Not only does he deliver meals, he is a vocal advocate supporting homebound Rancho Cordovans get connected with local services and support them through life-threatening emergencies.

Robin Smith, Volunteer Services Specialist for Meals on Wheels, said one participant might not be here today if it wasn’t for Roy’s quick thinking and getting emergency

services involved.

Roy’s input and heart led to Meals on Wheels inviting him to join the board of directors where he now has a direct impact on almost every aspect of what they do.

According to Roy, the work of volunteers clearly benefits the seniors in need, but also offers benefits to volunteers themselves.

In a recent interview Roy said:

 “The seniors give back to me as much as I give to them.  Everyone has a story and I love hearing their stories. It’s good for me, too. The social aspect of Meals on Wheels’ work is equally critical and an important part of our services.”

Volunteers like Roy help serve almost a million meals to Sacramento County seniors every year and make a big difference in the community through their caring service.  Roy is one of 200 Meals on Wheels drivers, but more are needed.

Roy, you are definitely a matey to many in Rancho Cordova. Fair winds to you as you make your important rounds.  When it comes to providing homebound seniors the helping hand they need to age at home, they, and We Couldn’t Do It Without You.